[Photo] S. Korea condemns Abe’s ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine, controversial for its housing the remains of confirmed war criminals, on Oct. 17. However, Abe did not visit the shrine in person, perhaps out of consideration for the current tension in South Korea-Japan relations. The South Korean government expressed “dismay” at the offering, alluding to the shrine’s “beautification” of unfavorable Japanese history. The Foreign Ministry added that it will only be when Japanese leaders show signs of “humble self-reflection and remorse” and “take the appropriate action” that South Korea-Japan relations will move forward in a positive direction and Japan will earn “the trust of its neighbors.” The photo shows Abe’s offering at the shrine.